The following day Jane removed her bandages. They were protected by a plaster on each wound, but it felt good to be absent from the gauze paws. She flexed her fingers; they all seemed to move albeit causing some pain and discomfort.

Her comms piece rang.

"Connect."

"Captain Rizzoli, it's Janice. Director Grant has asked me to set up a dinner for you and Doctor Isles this evening, to get to know each other." Janice gave Jane instructions of the time and location for her meal with Doctor Isles.

Jane disconnected the call. Perfect. She was royally peed off. Damn it Grant, she better be as good as you say! At least they were going to a decent restaurant.

Jane busied herself during the day, researching the Balthazar and her voyages. There was no obvious reason for the ship's demise. She already knew half of her crew; her, Doctor Isles, Frost, Korsak, her brother Frankie, Cartwright. She needed four more. She had advised Cartwright of the change in the mission and was awaiting her recommendations, the files she requested and footage from the cells.

Jane got herself ready and headed to the restaurant. She was dressed in her civvies but had a black pant suit on, heels and a blouse that dipped to show her cleavage. She looked badass, like an FBI agent. She had changed the dressings on her hands and she felt more comfortable.

Get it together Rizzoli, make nice with the lady doctor. She arrived at the table and was shown to her table. Walking through the restaurant men saluted and women nodded their heads. Jane nodded to each in acknowledgement. She sat down at her table and ordered a water. She saw the waitress's eyebrow lift in surprise. For some reason she remembered the words of the beauty from last night. She would wait for her companion.

As she drummed her fingers on the table she waited. Suddenly the vision from last night was there at the restaurant. Jane gulped her water; her mouth had gone dry at the sight. Jane had never seen anyone as beautiful in all her life. She was again dressed in high heels that looked impossible to walk in and a dress that looked moulded to her body. She was magnificent. She was also walking towards Jane's table.

Come on, Rizzoli, of course it would be her. What did you expect? How did you not put two and two together?

"Captain Rizzoli."

"Doctor Isles. Please, have a seat." Jane pulled out the chair for Maura to sit on. "Would you like something to drink?"

Maura smoothed her dress to avoid wrinkles and turned to the waitress.

"We'll take a bottle of the 1999 Sassicaia, San Guido."

Jane raised an eyebrow. This was a woman of definite refinement.

"That's a bit presumptuous isn't it, Doctor? How do you even know if I like red wine?"

"You haven't yet ordered a drink so were obviously waiting for me. I ordered an Italian red, I assumed with your heritage you would find that pleasurable. Besides, this wine is much better than the beer you were drinking last night. Your taste buds will thank me even if you don't?"

Jane's eyes sparkled with amusement. Well this was new. It seemed Doctor Isles was quite something.

"What do you mean my heritage, Doctor Isles?"

"You are of Italian-American descent. Your accent is Bostonian if I am not mistaken. Plus your looks, your hair is as dark as the night and you have a strong Italian jaw. Your bone structure is quite striking."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"Maura. Please call me Maura."

"Thank you, Maura."

Their wine arrived, Jane gestured for Maura to try.

"Please, let the lady taste."

"Mmm, that is quite delicious. I think you will approve, Captain."

The waitress poured them both a glass. Jane took a sip. Wowzer, she and her taste buds definitely approved.

"Wow, this stuff's pretty good."

"Well it should be for a hundred dollars."

"A bottle? Wow."

"A glass."

"A hundred buck a glass, wow. Now I know why I stick to beer."

The waitress brought over their menus; she sensed the women needed time.

"Thank you. So I haven't seen you around here before."

"You've been on a spacecraft for months, Captain, so I doubt that you would."

Jane sensed the woman was merely stating the truth.

"Well yes, Maura, of course. I mean before that. I've not seen you here before."

"I've not been here long. Grant headhunted me for the programme. I think to work for you. I have heard great things about you. You're the great Captain Rizzoli; everyone aspires to work for you. Myself included. I think we would work well together. You're the first female Captain at StarCommand. I am the only specialist in my field; male or female. We would make a formidable team don't you think?"

Jane considered the statement.

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"No. I know nothing about you."

"Ok, well what are your plans for the next couple of weeks until we are deployed?"

Jane looked at the woman. Amused.

"Sleep. Drink beer. Watch sports on Tivo."

"Ok. Well I will join you."

"Excuse me?"

"Captain, you and I will be working closely together. If you need to get to know me as you put it then I suggest we spend as much time together as possible in order to do so. Don't you agree that's logical?"

"No!"

"You don't agree it's logical that we spend time together to get to know each other?"

"No. Yes. I mean, yes it is logical, but no, I don't want to."

"Oh come now Captain, you are behaving childishly. I am merely suggesting we get to know each other."

Jane looked at the honey-blonde. This woman really was something else!

"Ok, fine! Be at mine tomorrow at 10."

Jane knew the woman was being sensible. They were about to undertake an important mission and needed to trust each other. Spending the time they had left on Earth was not such a bad plan, she supposed.

"Ok Captain."

"Jane."

"Excuse me?"

"Jane. If we are going to act like friends, it's Jane."

Jane never let anyone address her as anything other than Captain.

"Only when appropriate."

"Ok, Maura. That seems reasonable. So what are you going to order?"

"What would you recommend?"

"They make an incredible Black Angel Spaghetti and their Puttanesca is to die for. Actually, it's all good."

The waitress arrived to take their order. Jane gestured towards Maura.

"Ladies first."

"I would like the Risotto balls to start please and then the Puttanesca."

Jane smiled. "I would like the same please." Jane closed her menu and collected them to give to the waitress."

"I guess we have something in common."

"Yes, Jane. I guess so. More wine?"

"Please. So tell me about yourself?"

"Not much to tell really. Ah, let's see. I am an only child. Adopted. I am a Surgeon and Chief Medical Examiner. I also have a PhD in Remains Identification."

"Remains Identification? What the hell is that?"

"Exactly what it sounds like, Jane. I investigate and identify the remains that no one else can."

"What? Like dead people in bits or burned or whatever?"

Maura considered the question. "Sometimes, but not just people."

"What, like animals? You mean people want to know Cuddles was hit by a low flying craft?"

"No, Jane. I identify all species, including human, animal or alien."

Jane rolled her eyes. "Oh brother! Are you shitting me?"

"No Jane. I am quite serious. You're a Captain of a spacecraft, you should be used to the idea of aliens, in fact I am sure your findings should prove their existence."

"Aliens? All that is out there, Doctor Isles is space and lots of it. Despite the things we have found, not once have we found a life force. Not once. I swear I am on a treasure hunt, collecting so called evidence of aliens that someone long before me in StarCommand has left for me to 'find'. There is no such thing as aliens."

Maura looked at Jane and sipped her wine.

"Are you sure about that, Captain Rizzoli? You honestly explain the scientific advancements that have been a direct result of your explorations as an intergalactic treasure hunt? I thought you were more open minded than that Captain."

"I ain't never seen an alien, Maura. I have travelled light years and in all that time, no little green men, or women; I'm not sexist. They do not exist."

"You have never seen an alien."

"No, woman, that's what I just said!"

"I heard you; I am merely correcting your grammar."

"You're unbelievable. Maura, I am your Captain. I do not expect to have my English corrected. I'll talk however I damn well want."

"Well, yes, Jane. I am sure that you will. It's a habit that I find difficult to break. I don't mean anything by it."

"Humph. Well ok. Food's here now anyways. Way."

The women started eating.

"So what about you, Jane. Tell me about yourself?"

"Oldest of three, two brothers. Parents divorced. Ma keeps trying to fix me up with any guy who breathes; she hates my job and just wants me to settle down. Little chance of that! I like baseball and most sports. I am a workaholic and I live to fly my ship. I am a good Captain, I am a good leader. It's all I know how and want to be."

Maura chewed, listening intently to Jane.

"You are a good Captain, and a good woman. I hope we didn't get off on the wrong foot. I want to get to know you as more than just a boss and colleague."

What the hell did that mean?

"You pissed me off yesterday. Now I know who you are it makes sense, but I didn't know you from Adam. You just came up to me, invaded my personal space and lectured me about having a beer. You could see that I was a Captain in StarCommand no less and yet you still did it. That's either a sign of sheer stupidity or bravery. Having met you, I think it's the latter. You don't give a shit about convention, at least not entirely. You're complex Maura Isles, and I like that. We'll get along fine."

Just like that, Jane decided she liked this woman. It has taken balls to come up to her. And she was right; drinking hadn't been a good idea. This woman was intriguing; beguiling. She had something about her, that made Jane want to know more. Jane sipped her wine and took the opportunity to look at Maura.

She really was beautiful. Her hair was the colour of straw, a pretty mix of light and dark blonde. She had hazel eyes that seemed to change colour. Currently they were green with brown flecks. There were eyes that you could drown in; you could really lose yourself in them. Her smile was disarming; Jane could find herself doing anything if Maura flashed her that smile. What the hell? Jesus, Rizzoli, get it together. She works for you. Besides, look at her; no way a woman that fine is a lesbian. The world just didn't work in that way.

Jane found herself looking at an expectant Maura. Oh shit, she'd just asked her something.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I asked you why you think I am complex and why you are staring at me? Do I have sauce on my face?"

"Because you are, Maura. You are an intriguing woman and I look forward to getting to know you properly. Uh, and no, no sauce."

"Then why were you staring?"

"I, uh, ahem, your eyes change colour."

"Yes they do, depending on my mood."

"Depending on your mood. Huh. So like what, what colours do they go?"

"Green means I am happy, amused, content; positive emotions. Brown tends to be when I'm concentrating or annoyed. And black, well black means I am aroused." Maura blinked at Maura, twice.

Jane nearly choked on her wine. "Jeez, Maura. I'll keep a look out."

"You did ask, Captain. I can't lie."

"What the hell do you mean you can't lie? Of course you can lie!"

"I cannot, Jane. It makes me go vasovagal. I hyperventilate. I cannot lie, I promise you."

Jane's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"How do you like your pasta?"

"It's delicious, thank you."

"You see that woman over there, with the man old enough to be her Grandfather, do you think she loves him or his money?"

Maura stared at the couple, deriving her opinion from their interactions.

"His money. She is barely interested in him. She looks as if she would rather be anywhere else than here."

"What do you think of me?"

Maura picked up her wine and looked at the liquid, as if the answer would miraculously form in the deep red liquid.

"I think that you are exceptional. I have heard impressive things about you and so far you have lived up to them. You are beautiful and strong and command respect. You have incredible presence without being arrogant. You are a very attractive prospect."

Wow, well she hadn't been expecting that. An attractive prospect; who talked like that, and what did it mean?

"I guess you can't lie. I'll bear that in mind. Would you like dessert? They make amazing cannoli? Uh, if you wanted we could get them to go? You could come back to mine for coffee?"

"Yes, Jane. That would be wonderful. Thank you, I'd like that."

"Well ok, then."

The waitress re-appeared, again as if on cue.

"Can we get some cannoli to go please? And the bill?"

The waitress spoke. "The check has been taken care of, Captain. Our way of saying thanks."

"That's very kind, thank you."

Jane took out a fifty dollar bill and stuck it underneath her glass. The waitress had looked after them. The woman arrived with their dessert.

"Shall we, Doctor Isles?"

"We shall, Captain."

The women walked out of the restaurant together, Maura taking the box before Jane could say anything; saving Jane's embarrassment. As they walked home they found their conversation easy and light; both women revelling in a new found friendship. They reached Jane's flat.

"Lights on. Please, come in Maura. Here, let me take your coat. Can I get you a coffee? Cappuccino? Latte?"

"Cappuccino?"

"Uh-huh. Want one?"

Maura laughed at Jane's obvious enthusiasm. "Yes please."

"Good!"

Jane bounded off to her kitchen.

"Oh. Wait, I need your finger."

"Excuse me?"

"Your finger. I have to set your preference. The machine recognises your fingerprint and makes your coffee just how you like it. I love this machine."

"Half and half?"

"Sure."

Jane proceeded to push various buttons setting the perfect balance for Maura. She made Maura her drink and fixed herself a latte. She out the drink in front of Maura, awaiting her approval.

Maura sipped her drink.

"Wow! That is good coffee!"

"Kopi Luwak."

Maura smirked. "Did you know that Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, made from the coffee beans that have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet and passed through its digestive tract?"

Jane spat her coffee out.

"What? You mean my beloved coffee has been pooped out by some Civet? What the hell is a Civet?"

"It is a Viverridae, Jane."

"No, no more. Please."

Maura laughed.

"How about I change your dressings?"

"Yes please."

Jane went to the bathroom collecting more dressings, noticing that Cartwright had delivered the papers as promised.

Jane took her seat opposite Maura and placed her hands on the table in front of her. Maura took a corner of a plaster and looked into Jane's eyes. She leaned forward and captured Jane's mouth on her own. The kiss was slow at first building to a heated passio

"Ow. Jesus, Maura."

The women processed the kiss. It was unexpected but not unwelcome.

"You kissed me?"

"I did. I was distracting you."

Jane looked at her hands then back to the now black eyes.

"I have three left. What are you going to do for the others? Flash me your tits?"

Maura ripped off the second.

"No. Apparently the mere thought of my tits is distracting enough."

Hell yeah! Jane needed to gain control.

"How does it look?"

"Good. It's healing nicely. The wounds look good."

"Just rip off the others."

"You know, these are a sign of strength. That you lived."

"No they aren't. They are a reminder that Charles Hoyt has bigger plans for me that to just kill me."

"Do you think about him?"

"I try not to. Tomorrow I will. I need to go through the personnel files of everyone on the Joe Friday. Someone helped him, Maura. I need to know who. I've got 400 files and thousands of hours of footage to go through to find the bastard who helped him."

"Let me help you. It'll take half the time."

She trusted this woman.

"I'd like that. Thank you."

Maura dressed Jane's hands.

"How about when I come over at ten tomorrow. I bring breakfast?"

"Will it have been through anyone's digestive tract?"

Maura laughed. "No. So tomorrow, at ten?"

"It's a date. Well not a date. Work."

Jane was flustered. She stood quickly to tidy away the mugs, getting Maura's coat. Maura seemed amused. She took her coat and stood on tip toes to kiss Jane's cheek.

"Goodnight, Captain. See you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Maura. Thank you. Sleep well."

Not a date, who was she trying to kid?